EU proposes total ban on plastic items such as straws and cotton buds
Brussels — The European Commission proposed a total ban on some single-use plastic products and measures to drastically cut the consumption of others, in the latest push by the EU to reduce carbon emissions and marine litter threatening its seas. The ban will apply to plastic cotton buds, cutlery, plates, straws, drink stirrers and sticks for balloons, according to the proposal unveiled on Monday and is subject to approval by EU governments and the European Parliament. Member states will also be forced to reduce the use of plastic food containers and drink cups by prohibiting their free-of-charge distribution. "Plastic can be fantastic but we need to use it more responsibly," commission vice-president Jyrki Katainen said in a statement. "Today’s proposals will help business and consumers to move towards sustainable alternatives." The measures come as the EU seeks to seize leadership in creating sustainable goods, a market that is worth €2.5-trillion, according to Unilever. With some...
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